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Bio

Paola is a passionate urban planner and community engagement coordinator with 10 years of professional experience shaping sustainable and equitable cities and communities. As a passionate advocate for community-led planning and design, Paola has led numerous successful projects, ranging from small-scale interventions to large-scale comprehensive plans. With a keen understanding of the complexities and challenges of urban development, Paola brings a collaborative, inclusive, and empathetic approach to every project, working closely with community members, and other stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

 

Paola's expertise in urban design, planning, and community engagement has been recognized by numerous professional organizations, and she has received multiple awards and accolades for her innovative and impactful work. Awards such as the Mayor’s Parking Day tactical urbanism activation, VIA Metropolitan Transit Codeathon Bike Rack Innovation. She is an active board member of ActivateSA, and a community council member of VIA Transit. In the past Paola has served as a Mayoral appointee at the Historic Design and Review Committee, served on the San Antonio Bond 2022-2027 Street, Sidewalks and Bridges as a Mayoral Appointee Co-Chair, and ULI Mobility Local Member Council.

Education 

University of Texas at San Antonio

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Work Experience

Stantec

2024 - Present

Senior Urban Planner

2018 - 2023

Urban Planner & Community Engagement Coordinator

Able City

2014 - 2018

Architectural Designer 

ArchComm

2013 - 2013

Architectural Intern

AG Associates

2013 - 2013

Architectural Intern

CADS Construction 

Leadership & Service

2021 - Present

ActivateSA 

Board Member 

2024 - 2026

Transit Oriented Development Taskforce

Taskforce Member 

2024 - 2026

VIA Transit Keep SA Moving 

Council Member 

2020 - 2023

VIA Community Council

Council Member 

2022

ULI Mobility Local Member Chapter 

Co-Chair

2021

San Antonio Bond 2022-2027 

Street, Sidewalk and Bridges Co-Chair - Mayoral Appointee 

2021 - 2022

Board Member - Outreach and Advocacy Director 

National Organization of Minority Architects - Central Texas Chapter 

2020 - 2022

Board Member

SaySi

2018 - 2021

Commissioner - Mayoral Appointee 

City of San Antonio Design and Review Committee

Certifications

  • Congress of New Urbanism - Accredited Member

  • National Charrette Institute Certificate - Certified 

  • Tactical Urbanism Certification - Global & Local Organization 

  • San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Alex Briseño Leadership Development Program

  • Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Smart Cities - Management of Smart Urban Infrastructures 

  • ETZ Zurich - Quality of Life: Livability in Future Cities 

  • SDG Academy - Cities and the Challenge of Sustainable Development

Awards

Park(ing) Day Bike Lane Tactical Urbanism Pop-up

Mayoral Award

Smarter Together - Community Engagement 

IDC Smart Cities North America Award (Top Overall Vote)

1st Place Machine Learning Automated Passenger Counter

VIA Metropolitan Transit Codeathon 

2nd Place RackUp Bike Rack Sensor

VIA Metropolitan Transit Codeathon 

3rd Place Design Award 

Plaza Guadalupe Active Living Proposal 

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